Studying martial arts in the United States has never been easier. There are thousands of martial arts studios across the country, and these facilities offer training in a wide range of different disciplines. Regardless of whether you are studying Muay Thai or traditional Judo, you can take educational classes to learn the basics without ever traveling far from home.
However, many students of the martial arts would prefer a more immersive experience. Traveling to Asia can help you connect with some of the best masters currently accepting new students. It can also allow you to focus more intently on your practice, as your sole daily focus will be martial arts, instead of attempting to just squeeze it in between work and family obligations.
Heading back to the source can improve your skills
There are martial arts training camps, schools, and workshops offered in a broad range of Asian countries. You can pack your bag and travel anywhere from the Philippines to China and find excellent programs available to you. Thailand is a particularly popular destination, as it has many tourist facilities and lovely beaches, in addition to martial arts programs. It definitely makes sense to research the individual martial art you are interested in and the various Asian educational experiences available.
Create a short list of schools that you think would help you truly expand your knowledge and then you can plan your travel from there. Choosing a martial arts facility that is close to other attractions you are interested in, whether it’s a mountain or a cultural center, is one simple way of determining which facility will best meet your needs. With dedication, you may find that an intensive overseas workshop helps you to hone your skills.
Plan for recovery time after travel and intensive study
Programs range from a few hours every day over a few weeks to all-day sessions that last one week or longer. Regardless of what kind of martial arts training you commit to while traveling in Asia, remember that your mind and body need recovery time after training, as well as travel. Planning an Asian trip to secure martial arts training likely means taking a very long flight, possibly followed by shorter flights, road travel, or even a trip on a boat.
Be sure to give yourself at least one, if not two, days to recover upon your arrival. You won’t get the most out of your training if you are exhausted and jet-lagged. Similarly, give yourself at least a few days after training to explore the local area and enjoy your time away from home. You don’t want to fly in one day, attend a seminar for the next few, and then leave the day after martial arts training ends. Giving yourself time to recover will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but it may actually improve your retention of what you learn as you travel.
Planning a trip to Asia to expand your martial arts repertoire is a brilliant idea. Whatever school of martial arts you study, there are many opportunities available. Choosing the right school and planning your trip carefully can help ensure you get the best outcome for your investment of time and money.
